A very rare Nazi schellenbaum eagle, 21.75 in. wide x 12 in. high, a magnificent eagle with ring clenched in its beak, outspread wings, and talons clutching a large oak leaf wreath, with swastika. The eagle assembly is constructed of nickel tin (non-magnetic), lightly oxidized in areas, with only a few trivial spots. This eagle which served as the pinnacle of an instrument known as a 'Jingling Johnny', has been removed from the original instrument. Pressed from multiple pieces of nickel tin and brazed together, the hollow eagle is bolted through its solid molded talons to an aluminum wreath, showing a threaded rod molded into the underside of the wreath for connection to the top of the main pole supporting the instrument. The top of the wreath is marked with the numeral '1' just between the eagle's talons. The tail shows three small 'breathing holes' across the rear seam of the two-piece tail to prevent expansion during the brazing process. This eagle would sit atop a regimental marching bell tree, also sometimes called a 'Turkish crescent'. This was an extravagant percussion instrument that is traditionally used by German military bands. Overall, the instrument was a staff mounted marching pole that featured a hollow metal crescent with bells and a vertical 'sunburst' section usually displaying a swastika during the Third Reich period, Additionally, the whole device would be adorned with lengths of horse hair dyed in the national colors of black, red, and white. A banner would also be attached to the ring in the eagle's beak, or to the instrument itself, displaying the unit's colors and insignia, with the crescent itself supporting the bells and small stars, acting as a sort of chime system. Another large wide bell would be present from which would be suspended additional stars and bells, all of which would be carried in full dress parade, with all of the elements jingling to the beat of the march, hence the 'Jingling Johnny' moniker. At one time the whole instrument must have been knocked over, denting the eagles left wing tip, and leaving a partial split to the seam where the top and bottom wing surfaces meet, yet overall the wing is not bent, and this damage is only slightly detracting when viewed from the rear, and not noticeable at all when viewed from the front. This is a very rare and desirable Third Reich eagle that could be used to complete that missing piece from a Jingling Johnny, or is totally justified as being displayed in it's own right. Include with this item is a modern piece of multi-tiered black marble that can be used for displaying the eagle in the intended orientation. Overall excellent.